Two more classics crash!

In further sad news for the aviation world - Bucker Jungmann, based at Old Warden, crashed upside down in a field while performing at the airfield. Meanwhile Kennet Aviation's Supermarine Seafire was forced to conduct a wheel's up landing with Anna Walker at the controls. Thankfully no major injuries or fatalities occurred in either.

Mustangs out of the box!

It has been reported at http://friends-of-tfc.blogspot.com/ that the containers holding P-51's "Fragile But Agile" and "February" have bee opened on Thursday 30th June in preparation for 2011's Flying Legends.

Twitter scare!

On 27th June a rumor went around Twitter that the Flying Bulls P-38 Lightning had been pulled from attending the Flying Legends airshow. At time of writing this has been deemed untrue.

Dakota Norway arrives at DX!

The first overseas arrival landed on the 27th June in anticipation of the Flying Legends 2011 airshow. Dakota Norway's immaculate DC-3, in all silver finish, arrived at the Cambridgeshire airfield and was reported by TFC Blog the very same day. Pictured below at the 2010 Flying Legends show.

Fury arrives at DX!

Original Hawker Fury I arrived at Duxford IWM for HAC on Friday 24th July at 4:30pm. It arrived on the back of a flat bed truck shrink wrapped. It will be assembled over the coming days. Photos have been posted on UKAR by photographer Brian Marshall.

Press Announcment For Flying Legends 2011

"With only weeks to go until Flying Legends on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 July, The Fighter Collection and Imperial War Museum Duxford are delighted to announce that over 55 aircraft will be participating at this year’s warbird spectacular.
In the 30th anniversary year of The Fighter Collection, Flying Legends promises to be a memorable celebratory occasion.
Highlights include:
For the first time since the filming of the famous Battle of Britain film in 1968, three Second World War Hispano HA-1112 MIL (Buchon) fighter aircraft will display in the skies over Duxford.
The Aer Lingus DH-84 Dragon Iolar will make its debut at Flying Legends this year. Built in 1936, the Iolar was acquired by Aer Lingus in the 1960s, as the airline’s original DH-84 was destroyed during the Second World War. The original Iolar was Aer Lingus’ first aircraft that flew the airline’s inaugural flight from Baldonnel to Bristol in May 1936. The Iolar will be flown alongside a second DH-84 Dragon and a de Havilland Dragon Rapide.
In a rare air show appearance, there will be three Skyraiders displaying at Flying Legends.
As previously announced, The Flying Bulls’ Lockheed P-38 Lightning reg. N25Y and Chance Vought F4U-4 Corsair reg. OE-EAS will perform a stunning display as part of an unrivalled programme of aerial excitement.
The Horsemen, the world’s only P-51 Mustang formation aerobatic team, will perform at Flying Legends as a two-ship team with pilots Dan Friedkin and Ed Shipley showcasing the aircraft that made America great.
On the ground, there will be fun activities for all ages.
The Airfix Make and Paint Zone will give families the opportunity to make their own Airfix model and paint it with the accompanying paint colours. Once complete, the finished model aircraft is placed into a hanger box so that visitors can take their aviation masterpiece home as a souvenir of their day at Duxford.
Tank Heroes will be offering mini tank rides for children. Hands on History will be giving visitors of all ages the opportunity to dress as a British Army private or a Royal Air Force airman from the Second World War (no additional charge). There is also the opportunity to have a go at shooting paintballs at a mock-up of a ruined Normandy village with three-dimensional tank and soldier targets (additional charges apply).
Creating an authentic 1940s wartime atmosphere, the Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Lindy Hoppers will be dancing up a storm on the Hangar Base on Saturday 9 July and encouraging toe- tapping visitors to join in.
On Sunday 10 July, direct from New York City, The Manhattan Dolls bring their Andrews Sisters- style show to Flying Legends. Performing on the Hangar Base, they’ll be taking visitors on a sentimental journey through those evocative songs of the 1930s and 1940s.
In addition, visitors will be able to interact with living history groups, who will be bringing the Second World War to life at Duxford’s historic airfield. Ops 1939-45 will be representing Battle of Britain-era RAF pilots and ground crew, while the 42nd Field Hospital portrays US Army medical personnel from the Second World War.
The Screaming Eagles Living History Group will be representing servicemen who served with the 101st US Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2ndBattalion, Easy Company during the Second World War.
For daredevil visitors, the Parachute Regiment will be offering jumps from their Parachute Tower.
The Royal Air Force Recruiting Team will be showcasing a replica Red Arrows Hawk and chatting to visitors about life in the RAF.
Without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, Flying Legends will again provide an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.
With legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots coming from across the globe to display at Flying Legends, a spectacular performance of stunning aerial displays awaits. Coupled with fantastically fun ground activities and an authentic evocation of the 1940s, Flying Legends is a unique event not to be missed!
All flying is subject to weather, serviceability and operational commitments."

Tragedy strikes again!

News from the US came that Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Liberty Belle", which visited the UK in 2008 and took part in the Flying Legends Airshow, has crashed landed and burnt to a near total loss. Suffering what appeared to be an engine fire, the pilot managed to land in field safely and all seven on board escaped before the inferno engulfed the aircraft. It is a damaging loss to the US Warbird circuit. Liberty Foundation currently have a second B-17 under restoration to fly.

P-47 "Snafu" unvailed

The lastest stunning addition to the UK Warbird scene is The Fighter Collection P-47 "Snafu". Revealed in a glorious paint scheme she is sure to be a crowd favourite for years to come.

B-25 Now On Show

The Flying Heritage Collection has put it's newly painted B-25J Mitchell on display following it's restoration. Painted in the wartime colours and design of the 490th Bomb Squadron, this aircraft is a tribute to Arnold Spielberg, the father of film legend Steven Spielberg. Arnold was a member of the 490th Squadron during the war. 

A flying display is planned for July 16th 2011 at the FHC's free Fly Day.

 Picture courtesy of FHC.

Popular B-25 crashes

French based North American B-25J Mitchell, formerly based with Jet Alpine Fighters in Switzerland, has suffered a crash landing. Fortunately both pilot and passenger survived and were recovered from the crash site, however, early reports suggest the aircraft is a write off. Here is a translation of the report from France:

"A plane crashed this Tuesday May 31 at around 17:30 close to the aerodrome of Melun-Villaroche (Seine-et-Marne), between Moissy-Cramayel and Réau. This collectors machine (appareil de collection?), an American bomber dating from the Second world war, was seen by witnesses with an engine on fire. According to employees of the Snecma factory, close to the aerodrome, the aircraft would have then started an abrupt turn. After having avoided electric lines, it landed in a field within 300 meters of autroute A5B, noted two Parisian journalists. The pilot and his passenger were successfully extracted from the aircraft. They are unscathed. Important means of safety were deployed to extinguish the fire and to prevent that the tanks of the B25 from exploding."

Warbirds for sale!

Following the decision to break up the Russell Aviation group Hawker Hurricane XII and, probably more excitingly, Messerschmitt Bf109E 'Emil' are currently both for sale. Both fighters would make fine additions to any Warbird collection.
Meanwhile Spitfire Mk.IX MK912 is moving back to the UK to Biggin Hill airport for a new owner as is Mk.V LZ844 and the remains of MkIV TE566 from Australia.

New P-40 for UK!

It has been announced that the UK will have a new P-40 in time for Flying Legends airshow 2011 in the form of P-40F 41-19841. Having been restored for The Fighter Collection in Victoria, Australia, it began its sea shipment during May 2011 heading for Duxford. It has been confirmed it will be joined in the air by other Curtiss fighters including TFC's P-40B, Christian Amara's P-40N and TFC's rare Hawk 75.

Sabre for sale!

The newly schemed F-86A Sabre, owned by Golden Apple Operations, is up for sale for $1,000,000 on Courtesy Aircraft Sales

http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/Current%20Inventory/G-SABR%20North%20American%20F-86%20Sabre.htm

Horseman named!

The Horseman P-51 Display team are returning to Flying Legends for 2011's spectacular show; as an added bonus for enthusiasts they will be bringing two of their own aircraft from the USA to participate. It has been announced that these aircraft are both P-51D's and go by the names of "February" (top) and "Fragile But Agile". Pictures courtesy of www.mustangsmustangs.com

On April 7th 2011 Meteor WA591 taxied under it's own power as the move towards flight starts gaining pace. Tests flights hope to commence soon. Powering up and down the Kemble runway no problems were reported.

Picture courtesy of Alex Walsh/Meteor Flight

BBMF Dakota D-Day Scheme

The BBMF's Dakota has been given a new D-Day scheme and with the name "Kwicherbichen" on the nose.

B-17 for re-vamp!

Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Mary Alice", based at IWM Duxford, is to undergo major maintenance and a face lift after corrosion was found in significant amounts on the airframe. It has not yet been decided what new scheme, if any, will be given to the aircraft. The work is expected to take no longer than 16 months and so will be finished by mid-2012. The biggest challenge for the restoration team will be the dismantling and moving of the aircraft, as removing the front of the AAM has been ruled out, and taking it to Hanger 5.

Ohka 11 for IWM

IWM Duxford has taken delivery of suicide machine Ohka 11 Baka built by Yokosuka.

Marinell discovered!

The origins of Maurice Hammond's P-51D "Marinell" markings have finally been unveiled. What looks like an unusual work is a shorthand amalgamation of a woman's name - to be precise Mary Nell. She was the "date" of WWII pilot Brad Stevens who named his aircraft after his sweetheart; she signed letters to him "Marinell"

App Your Airshow World!

The Imperial War Museum Duxford are launching an App for Android and iPhone that will allow users to get up-to-the-minute information from Airshows, and news throughout the year, straight to their phone! It will be available from Mid-May and will be FREE for a limited time only. Airshow goers will be able to download the App via a special Wi-Fi signal at the museum's Spring Airshow 2011

Fury in hiding!

Historic Aircraft Collection's original Hawker Fury I bi-plane fighter has left the Retrotec workshop and has moved to a secret location for assembly and air-testing. It is hoped the fighter will make it's debut at Duxford's Spring Airshow on May 22nd.

Line-up change for Little Gransden 2011

Hanger 11 have been forced to change their participation at Little Gransden's 2011 Charity Air & Car Show. Originally planned was the newly refurbished Spitfire Mk.XI, however operational conflicts have meant a replacement, in the form of Hawker Hurricane MkIIb "Hurri-Bomber".

Buchon under power!

Hispano Buchon (Me109) G-AWHE has been under going taxi tests this month at Duxford airfield. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 500 engine, it will be the second Buchon in British skies.

 

The Fighter Collection's P-47G "Razorback" Thunderbolt has landed on it's undercarriage and i now supported by it's own wieght. It has also acquired a new propeller and the engine cowlings have been fitted.

Picture courtesy of Duxford Update

Shiny Focke-Wulf!

 

MeierMotors (Max Alpha) rolled out FlugWerk 190 (former G-FWAB) for an 8 minute engine run recently. Test flights should commence soon!
Picture courtesy of MeierMotors.com

Fury announced for Duxford Spring Show!

Historic Aircraft Company have included there original Hawker FUry bi-plane fighter for 2011's Duxford Spring Airshow. Yet to arrive at DX, the fighter will be joined in the air by HAC's and TFC's Hawker Nimrods.

Sea Fury T.20 joins RNHF

The Royal Navy Historic Flight have loaned Sea Fury T.20 VX281. It will serve as a training aircraft but also as a stand in for FB.11 VR930 (pictured) at airshows until it's Centaurus engine has been overhauled.

"Just Jane" moves closer to flight

The UK's second Lancaster, currently in taxiable condition, has taken a step closer to returning to the air. The ambitious project is still years away but a significant milestone has been reached - it has been reinstated on the UK register as G-ASXX.
The Licolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre now have three airworthy Merlin engines and the spares stores are being filled to a healthy level.

Corsair In The Air!

Family owned Vought Corsair F4U-4 N715JT took to the air following restoration on March 6th 2011. The aircraft crashed, fatally, on 10th November 2002.

Flug Werks on the move

Two FlugWerk 190's have recently left Germany for their new homes. Military Aviation Museum's D-FMFW has now left MeierMotors for Virginia Beach, Virginia and D-FWWC has been purchased by New Zealand's Chariots Of Fire Fighter Collection - it is the first of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.

 
 Picture of D-FWWC courtesy of Wolverhampton Aviation Group

P-38 For Legends

It has been announced that P-38L Lockheed Lightning, owned by Red Bull, will attend 2011's Flying Legends Airshow in July. It will be accompanied by Red Bull's F4U-4 Vought Corsair. Both machines brandish the distinct Red Bull logo.

Dominie retires

Hot on the heels of the Harrier, the last RAF Dominie has now retired from service some destined for museums.

SAAB soon to fly

Swedish Air Force Museum's SAAB B17 SE-BYH is currently having a new Pratt & Whitney engine fitted. Having been scheduled to appear at Flying Legends 2010 before complete engine failure the month before, enthusiasts will be hoping to see her at this years event.

Corsair new scheme

Max Alpha Aviation's Corsair BuNo 124541 has been repainted in a menancing matt-black scheme. Seen here at Flying Legends 2010 in her previous scheme.

Fw190 painted

The world's only original airworthy Fw190, owned by the Flying Heritage Collection, has had it's rather unusual paint scheme unveiled. Painted in it's original in-the-field marking of 4./JG54. It will soon uner-take further test flights after adjustments to it's BMW 801 engine.

Sea Hurricane breathes again

On 23rd February The Shuttleworth Collection's Sea Hurricane underwent engine runs after a complete engine change over the winter.

 
Picture courtesy of Shuttleworth Collection

Canso on display circuit

PBY Canso (Canadian built Catalina) N9796 flew again in Orly, France, under new ownership. They hope to have it on the European display circuit this year.

New apprentice

The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden, has appointed Clare Tector as it's new Apprentice Display Pilot.

Wirraway Waves goodbye!

Wirriway VH-WIR A20-652 has been retired from flying for display at the Queensland Air Museum. She has the distinction of being the second oldest Wirriway to be on the Australian register. It will be maintained in airworthy condition but there are no plans to ever fly it again at this point

Miss Demeanour brighter than ever!

Hawker Hunter G-PSST "Miss Demeanour" has come out of the paint shop brighter than ever! Below is a picture of her during 2010 display season.

Horsemen commeth!

It has been confirmed the P-51 display team is coming once again to UK shores! Due to attend Flying Legends 2011 they are very welcome once again. As an added bonus for enthusiasts they are set to bring their own mounts across from The States - unlike 2009 where they used resident Mustangs - so a few new ships to shoot for the budding photographers!

P-40B Flight Tests

On 3rd February 2011; Pearl Harbour veteran P-40B of The Fighter Collection underwent a test flight with Pete Kynsey at the controls. Having suffered under CAA scrutiny putting in only minimal airshow appearances since arriving in the UK - many enthusiasts will now hope to see her take a prominent place at Duxford airshows.

Fury for Belgium

Hawker Fury FB.10 left Perth, Australia bound for Flying Aces Services and Training in Belgium. This now brings Europe's active Fury collection to at least five aircraft (1xTFC, 1xRNHF 2xFrench based + 1xBelgium), a mouth-watering prospect to see all of them at Flying Legends.

Aardvark retired

In the same month Britain's iconic Harrier Jump-Jet was retired; the last of the world's operational F-111 "Aardrvark" were retired by the Royal Australian Air Force.

MeierMotors Focked Up!

MeierMotors, Germany, will take delivery of the world's only airworthy example of the FW190D "Dora". The Flug-Werk built machine is owned by Jerry Yagen. It has arrived at Bremgarten to have it's Allison engined changed for a Jumo 213.

UK airshow fans could be forgiven for hoping MeierMotors are given permission to operate the aircraft at 2011's Flying Legends.

PL344 Spitfire XI leaves UK

Operated by Tom Blair's UK company, Spitfire Ltd., from Duxford, Cambs; PL344 left the UK bound for a new registration in the USA.

PL965 back to originality

Peter Teichman's, Hanger 11 Collection, Spitfire XI has had it's original Merlin 70 that powered it during 1945. Peter's efforts in making his aircraft as close to original as possible is well documented and this addition to the Spit will be well received.